Public Access Deputy Commissioner appointment

Sven Bluemmel, the Victorian Information Commissioner, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joanne Kummrow as Public Access Deputy Commissioner by Her Excellency the Governor of Victoria. Ms Kummrow is appointed for a five year term commencing on 14 May 2019.

Ms Kummrow was appointed as Acting Public Access Deputy Commissioner in May 2018, and brings significant experience in all aspects of Freedom of Information (FOI) to the position. Immediately prior to this role, she was General Counsel providing legal advice across all areas of OVIC’s jurisdiction and strategic planning.

Ms Kummrow has expertise in administrative law, decision making, civil investigations and inquiries. She has extensive experience as a senior lawyer advising agencies and Ministers on FOI and conducting complex FOI merits review and judicial appeal matters.

OVIC is an independent regulator established to protect the information rights of the Victorian community and to ensure fair access to public sector information and its proper use and protection. With the finalisation of this appointment, Ms Kummrow will play a key role in achieving and overseeing the objects and proper administration of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and facilitating OVIC’s strategic goals in access to information.

Quotes attributable to Sven Bluemmel, Victorian Information Commissioner

“Congratulations to Ms Kummrow on her appointment and on everything achieved to date by the Public Access team under her leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Kummrow and everyone in the OVIC team to ensure information rights in Victoria are protected for current and future generations.”

Quotes attributable to Joanne Kummrow, Public Access Deputy Commissioner

“The Freedom of Information Act has provided the community with a right to access information held by Victorian government agencies and Ministers for more than 35 years. I am delighted to serve the Victorian community in this important role and am committed to achieving the timely conduct of matters and working with the public sector to facilitate fair access to government information.”